Politics & Current Affairs — April 18, 2011

Add the Renminbi to the IMF Basket

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Mundell argues China’s currency has become “almost de facto convertible” and should be included in the international reserve basket held by the IMF.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

The letters "AI" appear with a glitch effect in multicolored pixels against a black background.

The Present

AI skeptic Gary Marcus on AI’s moral and technical shortcomings

The cognitive scientist argues the current AI environment is failing us as consumers and a society. But it’s not too late to change course.

Starts With A Bang

The 16 stories that shaped physics and astronomy in 2024

There was a lot of hype and a lot of nonsense, but also some profoundly major advances. Here are the biggest ones you may have missed.

A black and white collage of three women: one adjusting sunglasses, one walking on a runway, and one in a scarf, all captured in different settings. Each embodies the essence of women redefining leadership through their unique styles and confident presence.

Business

5 ways women are redefining leadership

Women bring new and innovative ways of exercising power to the table, argues Gaia van der Esch. All business teams will benefit.

A person holds a smartphone and a book with an ornate cover, clasped together in both hands.

The Present

Silicon Valley’s obsession with AI looks a lot like religion

The tech world’s fixation on artificial intelligence has spawned beliefs and rituals that resemble religion — complete with digital deities, moral codes, and threats of damnation.

Starts With A Bang

The secret reason the USA beat the USSR to the Moon

Sixty years ago, the Soviet Union was way ahead of the USA in the space race. Then one critical event changed everything.

Up Next

Guest Thinkers

PHIVOLCS increasingly concerned about Taal as evacuations urged

Activity at the Philippine caldera Taal continues to increase. The latest update on Taal from PHIVOLCS reports 21 earthquakes under the volcano in the 24 hours between April 17-18, meaning […]